Reinstate Darcy Kelson and Leslie Potente

As a former kindergarten teacher at Mt View School, I am saddened and concerned about the recent news regarding both Mrs. Leslie Potente and Mrs. Darcy Kelson. During my twenty six years at Mt View, twenty five of them in kindergarten, I worked along side many wonderful women as we attempted to give our students the best introduction to formal elementary school possible. Both Mrs. Potente and Mrs. Kelson are dedicated teachers who go that extra mile to give their students and their sometimes anxious parents whatever it is that they need. As you might assume, I was shocked to hear that their contracts were not renewed this spring. As many know, I moved to Alaska soon after my retirement in June of 2018 but this kind of news travels far and wide. Mt Olive students deserve the very best educators especially in the early elementary grades and two have been taken away. I trust that our new superintendent and the Board of Education will listen to former students and parents of Mt.View students before acting to fill their spots as I am certain that more qualified candidates will not be found.

Darcy Kelson is one of the kindest people I know. She has been the perfect balance of firm & caring with both my kids & impacted both their lives in the way you hope a teacher will. My son had Mrs Potente & made his first year in school an amazing one. It would be such a huge loss for Mt View to let these teachers go. To think you’ll get better than them is a mistake.

Wonderful, well educated teacher. My daughter had a great start to her education because of Ms. Kelson.

Mrs. Kelson is a great teacher. She was wonderful with my son who has ADHD, switched schools mid year into her class, and was also adjusting to a new baby at home at the same time. She was so patient and wonderful with him and made his kindergarten year great. Losing her would be a great loss for Mountain View.

Amazing teacher my kids loved her and I loved that she was so amazing with my twins

Ms Kelson was the biggest reason our son has been so successful with his academics then and and now. She created a solid foundation for learning and created a caring environment for all her students. It would be a true shame to lose her and Ms Potente. Please reconsider for future children of our district.

Mrs. Kelson is a wonderful person and a wonderful teacher . She was a important piece in the adaptation process for my daughter. She is a great educator and the school and the other children deserve have a great teacher like her

Darcy Kelson is one of the most caring people and teachers I have ever met.

This would be a huge loss for Mount Olive. Darcy Kelson sets the tone for these kids to love school and learning. We need that!!

They are both the type of teachers I hope my children get...big loss to our school system. Why were they let go exactly?!

Keep Mrs. Kelson!!!!

Please reinstate!

My daughter had Ms. Potente for two years. She is a fantastic teacher who challenged my daughter and helped her develop confidence in her abilities. She is a skillful teacher who is devoted to her students and created an atmosphere in her classroom where my daughter felt welcomed and cared for. I would love for her to remain a member of the Mt. View community so my children have the opportunity to be in her class again. While they did not have Ms. Kelson, my son often came home and had stories to tell about his positive interactions with her. I have only heard wonderful things about her from parents and kids alike. I think this decision needs to be revisited by other members of the administration, as both of these teachers exemplify what it means to be a great teacher.

Mrs. Kelson is an amazing educator. For her not to be asked back is a tremendous loss for all her past and future students. My daughter had the please of being in her kindergarten class this year and she’s absolutely heart broken that her favorite teacher will not be a friendly face in the halls next year. With my youngest daughter entering kindergarten in September, we are very upset that Mrs Kelson is not an option.

My daughter had Mrs. Potente and my son had Mrs. Kelson...both loved them

Mrs. Kelson is an amazing teacher! My son was nervous and scared of school; however, he now loves it and can’t wait to go each day. This is do to Mrs. Kelson dedication, compassion, and kindness. He could not wait to go to school each day to tell her stories, draw her pictures, and practice the skills he learned in class the previous day. She made my son’s kindergarten year not only successful, but memorable as well!

Each of my children have had the pleasure to be educated by both these wonderful teachers. We are saddened to hear the news and are asking the school to reconsider their decision and reinstate these two great teachers.

Please reconsider. Our mountainview community will never be the same without these excellent educators.

I was both shocked, and so incredibly saddened to hear about this terrible decision. My daughter had Mrs. Potente for both first and third grades, and she was an excellent educator. She was caring, compassionate, and brilliant with her students. My daughter cried when she heard this news. Please reconsider this decision.

Mrs Kelson is a first rate teacher. They were lucky to have her.